$180,330 grant announced for Beaver Mines water reservoir project

Edited from Government of Alberta press release - The governments of Canada and Alberta today announced federal-provincial funding of more than $16.3 million for four water and wastewater projects in Alberta. $180,330 (federal funding*) has been allotted to the Municipal District of Pincher Creek towards a new water reservoir for the Hamlet of Beaver Mines, which is intended to ensure an emergency supply of clean drinking water is available at all times.  Funding has also been allotted for wastewater treatment plant upgrades in the towns of Vermilion, Barrhead and St. Paul to increase capacity and ensure cleaner water is released back into the environment.


According to federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi, “The Government of Canada is making strategic infrastructure investments to improve Albertans’ quality of life while supporting economic development and middle-class job-creation. Projects like the wastewater treatment plant upgrades in Vermilion will help the community better manage its wastewater while protecting regional waterways and maintaining a healthy environment. These improvements will both support future economic growth and ensure that the region remains healthy and sustainable for years to come.”

Alberta Minister of Transportation Brian Mason said “We are putting people to work with this kind of investment in needed infrastructure. Improving wastewater treatment systems is essential for Albertans today and into the future and is key in protecting the health of everyone. Albertans have told us they want clean lakes, rivers and land for their children and grandchildren. Support for these local water projects will help ensure wastewater is properly treated, protecting our critical waterways and land.”

These investments are part of an agreement between Canada and Alberta for the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund. With the projects announced today, a total of 66 water projects will benefit communities across the province.

The Government of Canada intends to invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes and Canada’s rural and northern communities.  $21.9 billion of this funding will support green infrastructure projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank. To date, the federal government has invested more than $196.7 million in 66 water and wastewater projects in Alberta through the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund. The Government of Alberta has invested more than $102.5 million in 17 of these projects.

The Government of Alberta helps provide Albertans with access to clean drinking water and reliable water/wastewater treatment systems through the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership (AMWWP) and the Water for Life program.

The projects announced today are in addition to those approved in June 2016 receiving nearly $117 million under the AMWWP, along with those approved in May 2017 receiving more than $131 million, for a total provincial investment of $352 million over two years in more than 100 projects.

The Government of Canada’s Clean Water and Wastewater Fund (CWWF) supports projects that provide communities with more reliable water and wastewater systems.  The four projects announced today are in addition to 62 Alberta water and wastewater projects previously announced under CWWF.

The provincial funding announced today is provided through the AMWWP, which supports municipal water supply and treatment and wastewater treatment and disposal facilities.

*edited for accuracy